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A sad, regrettable loss

Posted by Tulio on Sat Feb 22, 2003 01:13:45 AM

From the Mustangsmustangs site:

20th February 2003, late in the day near Wabash,Indiana, a man who was active in his community of Huntington, Indiana, died in the crash of his P-51 Mustang.

James Shuttleworth, 65, in his P-51 "Scat VII" went down late afternoon Thursday. Highly regarded in the community, Shuttleworth was chariman and CEO of Shuttleworth Inc., headquartered in Hungtington.

Shuttleworth Inc. has offices around the world dealing in designing and building custom commercial roller systems.

Shuttleworth was also well known for his work with the Wings of Freedom Museum at the Huntington Municipal Airport (where he based his P-51) and for his involvement in Huntington College.

Shuttleworth's P-51, N93TF, 44-72922, was purchased in 1991 and then rebuilt as a TF (dual-control version of the P-51) at Fort Wayne IN. The current paint scheme was the same as she wore in World War II. "Scat VII" was flown by Maj. Robin Olds USAAF of the 434th FS, 479th FG, 8th AF.

No official word on the cause, but a photo indicates that the engine was not turning at impact and the crash area was very small. Witnesses told the state police that they saw the P-51 doing aerial stunts a little after 5 pm local time, when the engine stalled and the aircraft went down nose first. Weather was clear at the time of the crash.

Shuttleworth was alone on his last flight in his favorite
aircraft. A good man that will be missed.

Our condolences go out to his family and friends.

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